I'm just learning about home electricity, and have read about the importance of grounding.

Looking around the house, the following have 2-prong plugs:

all floor and table lamps
toaster
coffee maker
mixers
tv and radio
fans

Why would all of the above be manufactured without a grounded plug?

The grounded items in the house are:

washing machine
microwave
refrigerator

Just Bill

12-27-2010 06:55 AM

Most small appliances, lights, etc., have two prong polaraized plugs(neutral pin larger). They are usually insulated or isolated internally, so no need for a ground conductor. Those appliances that require a ground prong for certification approval, have one.

joed

12-27-2010 09:07 AM

The outside case is either plastic or double insulated so there is no chance of it becoming energized. Therefore no ground pin is required.